John and Rita Betsch celebrate 50th wedding anniversary

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Mr. and Mrs. John Anthony Betsch, former West Brighton residents, now residing in Hockessin, Del., were the guests of honor at a 50th wedding anniversary celebration in Six Paupers Tavern and Restaurant in Hockessin, where family members feted the couple.

Mrs. Betsch, 73, the former Rita Jane Forsyth, is a graduate of the former St. Peter’s Girls High School, New Brighton. She continued her education at New York University, where she enrolled in night classes to study fashion design, while holding down a full time position in the clerical field at West Virginia Paper Company in Manhattan.

After marrying, Mrs. Betsch became a homemaker.

Family PhotoMr. and Mrs. John Betsch

When Mr. and Mrs. Betsch moved from their West Brighton home to Hockessin in 1985, Mrs. Betsch secured sales associate positions in The Cross Country Shop and later the Fashion Shop. She retired in 1999.

While living in West Brighton, Mrs. Betsch volunteered at the former St. Vincent’s Hospital and then helped at the Creative Art Center in Yorklyn, Del. and at Longwood Gardens, Kennett Sq., Pa.

She can also be found in her garden or out on the golf course in her leisure time.

The couple have spent their vacation time visiting East Coast destinations and enjoy walking together.

Mr. Betsch (Jack), 74, was born in Brooklyn and graduated from W. H. Maxwell Career and Technical Education High School. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps, was stationed stateside and in the Far East from 1955 to 1959, and attained the rank of corporal.

While waiting to be called into the Police Department, Mr. Betsch worked for Citibank. In 1961 he began his police career and was assigned to Staten Island during his 20 years with the department. While on the force, Mr. Betsch furthered his education and enrolled at the College of Staten Island where he earned a bachelor of arts degree in history. When he retired in 1981, he returned to the banking industry, securing a position with JP Morgan Bank. After moving to Delaware, he continued working for the bank at its Newark location, as an investigator for deposit accounting and management. He retired in 2000.

Mr. Betsch is a member of the Police Department Holy Name Society and was an usher at Sacred Heart R.C. Church in West Brighton. He enjoys listening to music.

Mr. and Mrs. Betsch, who met at a mutual friend’s wedding, were married Oct. 7, 1961 in Our Lady of Good Counsel R.C. Church, Tompkinsville. They are the parents of Marianne Rosson of Sunnyside, Claudine Betsch of Newark, Del., and John Betsch of Wilmington, Del., and have six grandchildren.